Holding the Line in Oregon

In 1967, Charles and Ellen McClure purchased 70
scenic acres on the edge of Newberg, Ore., about 20 miles from
Portland. Back then, Newberg was a sleepy farm town surrounded
by hazelnut orchards. Today, it’s the gateway to the Willamette Valley’s
renowned wine country.

In 2007, the McClures sought permission to develop their
farmland as high-end housing. They faced one big hurdle. Their
acreage sits just outside an imaginary line that divides urban
Newberg from the rural countryside. Under...

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Suzie Boss is a journalist from Portland, Ore., who writes about social change and education. She contributes to Edutopia and is the author of the forthcoming book Bringing Innovation to School.